Dexterity device with interchangeable components

ABSTRACT

A handheld dexterity device comprising an internal member wherein the internal member has at least one protruding member having a finger toggle. A first portion and a second portion having at least one interconnecting channel wherein the first portion and the second portion are removably connected to each other encapsulating the internal member and forming an inner surface for the internal member to rotate smoothly around in wherein the finger toggle protrudes through the channel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/084,371 filed Sep. 28, 2020.The U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/084,371 is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sensory stimulation device moreparticularly a device for improving tactile sensation and dexterity fora human also known as a fidget device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current products vary in function with different shapes and tactilefeatures. These products may incorporate a spinning mechanism or someother tactile feature. Stress balls, spinning devices and other tactilemovement devices allow a person to keep their hands busy by manipulatingthe device which could be therapeutic leading the person to feeling lessstressed. Some people even used these devices as tools to help themconcentrate and focus during a lesson at school or on a homeworkassignment. Individuals with ADD and ADHD often seek sensory stimulationin a distractive manner such as clicking pens, excessive talking orfidgeting with something. This type of behavior can be disruptive, andit is non-conducive to an effective learning or professionalenvironment. Fidget toys have been developed to help these types ofindividuals to fidget with something without distracting others. Forexample, the fidget spinner allows the user to hold the device in onehand by an inner ring while spinning the outer arms around the innerring.

Other fidget devices include fidget cubes which encompass fidget toolsincluding buttons, ball bearings, clickers, and a joystick on asix-sided cube. This type of device allows the user to operate thefidget tool by, for example, pushing on the buttons, rotating thejoystick, and rotating the cube within the user's hand. Devices withtactile features may contain different types of surfaces but lack theability to change components.

Therefore, there is need for an alternate or more modular design for afidget device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments a dexterity device comprises an internal member thatis integral with or coupled to at least one protrusion that is itselfcoupled to a finger toggle. A casing comprising at least two detachablycoupled portions may be assembled about the internal member in a mannerthat allows the internal member to move freely in at least two dimensionrelative to the casing. A first channel pattern in one of the portionsis configured to allow the protrusion to pass through the casing andmove within the first channel.

A plurality of the portions may each have their own channel pattern,which may be a maze, a design, or a figure, and the patterns of twoadjacent portions may be continuous when the portions are coupledtogether. Portions may have an outer surface that is textured or smooth.In a particular embodiment, the portions are two hemispheres and theinternal member is substantially spherical.

The detachably coupled portions may be coupled together by giving thefirst portion an inner lip having at least one tab, the second portionan outer lip having at least one slot and aligning the tab with the slotand rotating the tab within the slot to lock the first portion to thesecond portion. The casing when assembled may be configured to fitcomfortably within the hand of the user. In some embodiments, the casingis substantially spherical and sized to fit in the palm of the user.

In embodiments, a method for providing a dexterity device to a usercomprises providing an internal member with at least one protrusioncoupled to a finger toggle and forming a channel pattern in at least twodetachably coupled portions. The toggle is situated in the channelpattern to allow the protrusion to be moved within the channel by thetoggle. The portions can be attached to form a casing that encompassesthe internal member and allows the internal member to move freely in atleast two dimension relative to the casing. The user can then move theprotrusion within the channel pattern by the toggle. The channel patternof one portion may be formed to be continuous with the channel patternof another portion when the portions are coupled together.

The portions may be attached by having a first portion with an inner liphaving at least one tab and a second portion with an outer lip that hasat least one slot. The first portion is coupled to the second potion byaligning the tab with the slot and rotating the tab within the slot tolock the first portion to the second portion.

A modular dexterity device may also be provided, the dexterity devicecomprising an internal member with at least one protrusion coupled to afinger toggle. A casing comprising at least two detachably coupledportions substantially encompasses the internal member and has a channelpattern shaped to allow the protrusion to move relative to the casingwithin the channel. A fidget tool is provided in the second portion anddifferent second portion s may be interchanged to allow the user to usemultiple fidget tools on demand with the same device. The fidget toolmay be a second channel pattern or may be selected from the listcomprising spinners, buttons, ball bearings, clickers, and a joystick.

The first channel pattern may be continuous with the second channelpattern when the portions are attached. The channel pattern(s) mayinclude a dampener to control the rate of rotation of the internalmember within the casing and the first portion may be interchangeablewith alternate first portions wherein the resistance of the dampenervaries between the alternate first portions.

Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are describedbelow in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unlessspecifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in thespecification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, andaccustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts.The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographersif desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers,to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specificationand claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further,expressly set forth the. Absent such clear statements of intent to applya “special” definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that thesimple, plain, and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to theinterpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term,or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptiveterms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts ofEnglish grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms,or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases begiven their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards andapplication of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, theuse of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the DetailedDescription or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended tosomehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C.§ 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisionsof 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are sought to be invoked to define theinventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exactphrases “means for” or “step for” and will also recite the word“function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of . . ., without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or actin support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “meansfor performing the function of molding a . . . , step for performing thefunction of molding a . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure,material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform therecited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not toinvoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if theprovisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimedinventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only tothe specific structure, material or acts that are described in thepreferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures,materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described inalternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are wellknown present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material oracts for performing the claimed function.

Additional features and advantages of the present specification willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description of the illustrative embodimentexemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presentlyperceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentspecification will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the dexterity device with interchangeablecomponents in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a isometric exploded view of the dexterity device withinterchangeable components in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional font view of the dexterity device withinterchangeable components in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a exploded front view of the dexterity device withinterchangeable components in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the dexterity device with interchangeablecomponents in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the dexterity device with interchangeablecomponents in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the dexterity device with interchangeablecomponents in accordance to one, or more embodiments; and

FIG. 8 is a front view of the dexterity device with interchangeablecomponents in accordance to one, or more embodiments.

Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and havenot necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence orembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will beunderstood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussedmore generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases,a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implementthe various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation isto be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are manydifferent and alternative configurations, devices and technologies towhich the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of theinventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

Referring initially to FIG. 1-8, a dexterity device with interchangeablecomponents is shown generally at 10. The dexterity device 10 cancomprise an internal member 30 having at least one protrusion 34 havinga finger toggle 32. The internal member 30 can be any shape or size, butin one embodiment the internal member is spherical. The protrudingmember 34 can extend from the body of the internal member and have afinger toggle 32 integral to it or permanently or removably attached toit. The finger toggle 32 can be such as, for example, circular, square,a loop for a user's finger, an oval, or the like. In certainembodiments, the protruding member 34 can extend into the internalmember 30 wherein the internal member can have a tensioning plate (notshown) within it wherein the protruding member 34 can have a springattached to it and a clicking mechanism that allows the user to push theprotruding member in and out of the internal member. The protrudingmember 34 can be removably attached to the internal member 30 whereinthe user can push the protruding member into the internal memberallowing for a clicking sound and another mechanism for the user tofidget. The protruding member 34 can be on a bearing in the internalmember 30 wherein the protruding member and the finger toggle can rotateas the finger toggle is moved through the channels.

In other embodiments, the protruding member can have threads on its endallowing the user to change out the finger toggle 32 to other shapes,sizes, and configurations of finger toggles. The finger toggle 32, theprotruding member 34, and the internal member 30 can be one piece, orseparate pieces connected by, for example, a fastener, glue, press fit,or the like. In embodiments, the internal member 30 can be made from,for example, metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, or the like, orplastics such as polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene,low-density polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, rubber or thelike.

The dexterity device 10 can further comprise a casing comprising atleast two detachably coupled portions 12, 20 wherein the casing cansubstantially encompass the internal member and can be shaped to allowthe internal member to move freely in at least two dimensions relate tothe casing. The at least two detachably couple portions can be a firstportion 12 and a second portion 20 having at least one channel pattern14, 26 wherein the channel patterns can be in one of the portions toallow the protrusion to pass through the casing and move within thefirst channel. The plurality of the portions can comprise a channelpattern. The first portion 12 and the second portion 20 can be removablyconnected to each other encapsulating the internal member 30 and formingan inner surface 19 for the internal member to rotate smoothly aroundin, wherein the protrusion 34 can pass through the channel allowing theuser access to the finger toggle 32.

The first portion 12 can comprise an inner lip 16 having at least onetab 18, the second portion 20 can comprises an outer lip 24 having atleast one slot 22 and wherein the first portion and the second portionmay be coupled by aligning the tab with the slot wherein the slot isshaped to allow the tab to rotate within the slot locking the firstportion to the second portion as shown in FIG. 2. The first portion 12and the second portion 20 can have an outer surface that can be smoothor textured.

In other embodiments, the first portion 12 can be screwed onto thesecond portion 20, the first portion can be press fitted onto the secondportion, the first portion can be locked onto the second portion withball bearings, or the like. The finger toggle 32 is intended for theuser to utilize their fingertips to manipulate the internal member 30within the first and second portion.

The first portion's channel 14 can align with the second portion'schannel 26 wherein when the two portions are connected, they form acomplete path. The at least two of the channel patterns 14, 26 cancomprise a channel that connects the channel patterns from one portionto another portion when the first and second portions are coupledtogether.

In certain embodiments the channels 14, 26 can be localized to eitherthe first portion 12 or the second portion 20, or it can encompass boththe first portion and the second portion. The channel 14, 26 can be aset pattern such as, for example a maze, a design, a figure, or the likewhich can be transposed onto the first portion 12 and the second portion20 as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. In the preferred embodiment the firstportion 12 can have one pattern within the first channel 14 and thesecond portion 20 can have pattern in second channel 26 wherein the usercan have multiple first portions with different patterns within thefirst channel and the user can multiple second portions wherein the usercan interchange the first and second portion allowing the user to choosethe types of patterns within each portion. The first portion 12 and thesecond portion 20 can be two hemispheres and wherein the internal member30 is substantially spherical. The casing of the first portion 12 andthe second portion 20 can be substantially sized to fit within the handof the user. The hand has a palm, and wherein the casing issubstantially spherical and sized to fit in the palm of the user.

In embodiments, the finger toggle 32 can manipulate the internal member30 by moving the protruding member 34 through the channel 14, 26 by theuser. The first portion 12 and the second portion 20 can be made fromsuch as, for example, metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, or thelike, or plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate, high-densitypolyethylene, low-density polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,rubber, or the like. In other embodiments the first portion 12 and thesecond portion 20 can be one complete piece and can be formed around theinternal member 30.

A method for providing a dexterity device to a user having a hand, themethod comprising providing an internal member 30 comprising at leastone protrusion that is coupled to a finger toggle 32. Forming a channelpattern 14, 26 in at least two detachably coupled portions 12, 20.Situating the toggle 32 in the channel 14, 26 and attaching the portionsto form a casing that encompasses the internal member and allows theinternal member to move freely in at least two dimension relative to thecasing. The dexterity device can allow the user to rotate the internalmember 30 by the finger toggle 32 within the at least one channel 14,26.

The at least two detachably coupled portions comprise a first portion 12and a second portion 20, and wherein the first portion comprises aninner lip 16 having at least one tab 18, the second portion comprises anouter lip 24 having at least one slot 22, the method further comprisingcoupling the first portion to the second potion by aligning the tab withthe slot and rotating the tab within the slot to lock the first portionto the second portion. Forming the channel pattern 14, 26 of one portion12, 20 to be continuous with the channel pattern of another portion whenthe portions are coupled together.

The dexterity device 10 can comprise an internal member 30 wherein theinternal member comprises at least one protrusion 34 coupled to a fingertoggle 32. A casing comprising at least two detachably coupled portionsincluding at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein thecasing substantially encompasses the internal member and is shaped toallow the internal member to move freely in at least two dimensionrelative to the casing, a first channel pattern 14 in the first portionto allow the protrusion to pass through the casing and move within thefirst channel pattern. A fidget tool in the second portion 20, whereindifferent second portion may be interchanged to allow the user to usemultiple fidget tools with the same device.

The fidget tool can be a second channel pattern 26. The first channelpattern 14 is continuous with the second channel 26 pattern when theportions are attached. The fidget tool is selected from the listcomprising spinners, buttons, ball bearings, clickers, and a joystick.The first channel pattern 14 includes a dampener to control the rate ofrotation of the internal member within the casing. The first portion 12is interchangeable with alternate first portion wherein the resistanceof the dampener varies between the alternate first portions.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the presentspecification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, oneskilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosedembodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subjectmatter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that thedisclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particularmethodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such,various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of thedisclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachingsherein without departing from the spirit of the present specification.Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope ofthe present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims.Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited tothose precisely as shown and described.

Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode knownto the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices describedherein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading theforegoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes allmodifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in theclaims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, anycombination of the above-described embodiments in all possiblevariations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dexterity device for a user having a hand, thedexterity device comprising: an internal member wherein the internalmember comprises at least one protrusion coupled to a finger toggle; acasing comprising at least two detachably coupled portions, wherein thecasing substantially encompasses the internal member and is shaped toallow the internal member to move freely in at least two dimensionrelative to the casing; and a first channel pattern in one of theportions configured to allow the protrusion to pass through the casingand move within the first channel.
 2. The dexterity device according toclaim 1, wherein the at least two detachably coupled portions comprise afirst portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portioncomprises an inner lip having at least one tab, the second portioncomprises an outer lip having at least one slot and wherein the firstportion and the second portion may be coupled by aligning the tab withthe slot and wherein the slot is shaped to allow the tab to rotatewithin the slot locking the first portion to the second portion.
 3. Thedexterity device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of theportions comprise a channel pattern.
 4. The dexterity device accordingto claim 3, wherein the plurality of portions have different channelpatterns and are interchangeable.
 5. The dexterity device according toclaim 1, wherein the pattern is a maze, design, or figure.
 6. Thedexterity device according to claim 1, wherein the portions each have anouter surface that is textured or smooth.
 7. The dexterity deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein at least two of the channel patternscomprise a channel that connects the channel patterns from one portionto another portion when the portions are coupled together.
 8. Thedexterity device according to claim 1, wherein the portions are twohemispheres and wherein the internal member is substantially spherical.9. The dexterity device according to claim 1, wherein the casing isshaped to fit comfortably within the hand of the user.
 10. The dexteritydevice according to claim 9, wherein the hand has a palm, and whereinthe casing is substantially spherical and sized to fit in the palm ofthe user.
 11. A method for providing a dexterity device to a user havinga hand, the method comprising: providing an internal member comprisingat least one protrusion that is coupled to a finger toggle; forming achannel pattern in at least two detachably coupled portions; situatingthe toggle in the channel; and attaching the portions to form a casingthat encompasses the internal member and allows the internal member tomove freely in at least two dimension relative to the casing.
 12. Themethod of claim 11 further comprising allowing the user to rotate theinternal member by the finger toggle within the channel
 13. The methodof claim 11, wherein the at least two detachably coupled portionscomprise a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the firstportion comprises an inner lip having at least one tab, the secondportion comprises an outer lip having at least one slot, the methodfurther comprising coupling the first portion to the second potion byaligning the tab with the slot and rotating the tab within the slot tolock the first portion to the second portion.
 14. The method of claim 11further comprising forming the channel pattern of one portion to becontinuous with the channel pattern of another portion when the portionsare coupled together.
 15. A modular dexterity device for a user having ahand, the dexterity device comprising: an internal member wherein theinternal member comprises at least one protrusion coupled to a fingertoggle; a casing comprising at least two detachably coupled portion sincluding at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein thecasing substantially encompasses the internal member and is shaped toallow the internal member to move freely in at least two dimensionrelative to the casing; a first channel pattern in the first portion toallow the protrusion to pass through the casing and move within thefirst channel pattern; and a fidget tool in the second portion, whereindifferent second portion s may be interchanged to allow the user to usemultiple fidget tools with the same device.
 16. The modular dexteritydevice of claim 15 wherein the fidget tool is a second channel pattern.17. The modular dexterity device of claim 16 wherein the first channelpattern is continuous with the second channel pattern when the portionsare attached.
 18. The modular dexterity device of claim 1, wherein thefidget tool is selected from the list comprising spinners, buttons, ballbearings, clickers, and a joystick.
 19. The modular dexterity device ofclaim 15 wherein the first channel pattern includes a dampener tocontrol the rate of rotation of the internal member within the casing.20. The modular dexterity device of claim 19 wherein the first portionis interchangeable with alternate first portion wherein the resistanceof the dampener varies between the alternate first portions.